There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks and Spencer Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Money Direct you can keep the cost of your Car Insurance down by choosing Standard cover, over Premier Cover. UK Vehicle can then be added to your policy as optional extras, if you wanted to.

If you're thinking of adding both Breakdown Cover and Motor Legal Protection, then it would cost less to upgrade to Premier Car Insurance cover from M&S Money Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks and Spencer, and these include: Courtesy car (subject to availability); Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle; Loss or damage to personal property in vehicle; Personal accident cover up to £10,000; Windscreen cover (£75 excess); a 24 hour claims service, and many other options as standard on each policy. In short, with Car Insurance from M&S Finance, you get more, and you pay less.

Not so long ago, only banks and traditional insurance companies offered financial or insurance products, yet today it may often seem as if even the local corner shop is offering financial products. That's not quite true, of course, but many more companies do offer financial products than used to be the case, and it can sometimes be difficult to decide who is offering the best deal.

And, while Marks & Spencers once offered mostly fashion products, with the only hint of a credit card being when you paid for your shopping at the checkout, today you'll find as good a deal on M&S credit cards as you will with the latest range of M&S fashion.

In fact, these days Marks & Spencer, through its M&S Money Direct website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S Home Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money Direct UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks and Spencers online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Money Direct website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car Insurance, M&S Home Insurance, M&S Life Insurance, M&S Wedding Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance
• M&S Credit Cards: M&S Credit Card, M&S Premium Club Card
• M&S Loans: M&S Car Buying Plan, M&S Personal Loans
• M&S Money: M&S Travel Money for your trips abroad
• M&S Savings: M&S Everyday Savings Account, M&S Fixed Rate Savings, M&S Stocks & Shares ISA, M&S Cash ISA, M&S Unit Trust

Of course, many of these types of product can be purchased elsewhere too; however, once you begin to take a closer look at the products from M & S, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting M&S Money Direct in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Money Direct website.

Mens Leather Casual Jeans Belt, at Marks and Spencers
Smart and easy to wear, this casual belt is a fantastic partner for your favourite jeans and chinos

Dotty Daisy Shoes 50th Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Fabulous at 50 Inside message: Happy Birthday! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 178 x 125mm

Performance Slip-On Suede Boat Shoes, at Marks & Spenser
Slip-on Round toe Contrast lace stitch design Chunky sole Heel cushion and arch

Sony PRS-505 E-Reader, at Marks and Spencer
Holds approximately 160 electronic books (eBooks) Smaller than a typical paperback, 8mm thick and very light: it's a stylish aluminium unit that fits in your coat pocket Easy to read 6'' EInk screen High resolution and multi-shade grey scale give fine detail on text or black-and-white photos, illustrations etc. Add bookmarks, read page-by-page or ''fast forward'' through the book Automatically find the page you were last reading Call up your stored books quickly: by author, title or date MemoryStick™ DUO and SD Card slots allow you to optionally increase capacity up to approximately 13000 titles Very low power consumption: allows nearly 6800 page turns from a single battery charge Can be fully charged in only 4 hours from a laptop or PC via supplied USB cable 2 hours charge time using optional UK/continental mains adaptor (ACS-5220E) Uses the EPUB standard: the most widely used eBook type, can also read other common text documents Can also display most common image and photo file types (images are black and white, not colour) Use with headphones to listen to music while you read (MP3 or AAC files) Supplied pre-loaded with sample eBooks and excerpts All necessary software (eBook Library) plus quick start instructions supplied Comes with soft tan case. Other cases available as optional accessories Currently not MAC compatible This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Compact Argyle Bow & Heart Print Umbrella, at MarksandSpencer
Lightweight and easy to carry, this slimline umbrella is perfect for keeping at hand for effective protection from sudden downpours

Portfolio Pure Silk Floral & Spot Print Lightweight Scarf, at Marks and Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk floral and spot print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Newborn 3 Piece Gnome Outfit, at Marks and Spencer
Ideal for new arrivals, this cute and practical set contains: top, jacket and trousers. A great value pack in soft comfy cotton rich fabric

Sonoma Dark Dining Table & 6 Alton Fabric Dining Chairs Set, at Marks & Spencers
7 piece set Table: H76 x L180 x W100cm Extends to L230cm Seats 6 people, comes with extension leaf to seat 8 Extension leaf can be stored beneath the table top Chair: H99 x W46 x D56cm Chairs made from solid walnut with fabric seat Made from solid oak and oak veneer Features natural wood characteristics - knots, figuring, colour variation and end-grain detail Finished with a rich dark stain, followed by 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Chairs made from solid wood Side panels and back panels made from White Oak veneer Top panels made from White Oak veneer with a solid Oak edging for strength Legs made from solid hardwood All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Why use veneers? Unlike solid timber, veneer does not twist/warp/split to the same degree. Only the finest logs are used in veneer production. It is environmentally sound and traditional - much of the finest cabinetry in the world is veneered. Care & Cleaning - Wipe with a soft clean cloth and use a mild furniture cleaner or polish occasionally. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Serene Bouquet, at Marks and Spenser
An exquisite display of white blooms including Hydrangea, Alstroemeria, Lilies and Roses, beautifully backed by mixed foilage Available for delivery between 1st April to 30th September 2009

Per Una Cotton Rich Roma Bootleg Trousers with Belt, at Marks and Spencer
A smart pair of bootleg trousers in stretch cotton featuring a paisley print belt

Collezione Wool Rich Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket with Silk, at Marks and Spencer
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on this garment to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Bunny Helps Out Book, at Marks and Spencer
Bunny is helping to hang out the washing, when the wind blows and whisks it all away. How will Bunny ever get the washing back? Follow him on his chase through the woods and meet the animals he sees along the way

5 Younger Girls' Pure Cotton Heart Print Briefs, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and fabulous, this 5 pack of cotton briefs feature heart print designs

Cotton Blend Short Sleeve Hello Kitty Top, at M&S
Fans of Hello Kitty will love this cotton top featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style.

Stripe Seat Pad, at MarksandSpencer
Tie fastening Stripe design Padded, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Older Girls' Limited Corsage Hat, Scarf & Mittens Set, at Marks and Spenser
Snug and cosy, this pretty hat, scarf and mittens set is a fashionable choice for chilly days

Rose & Freesia Gift Bag, at Marks and Spencer
A brilliant assortment of orange roses and beautifully scented white lilac and cerise freesias, presented in a contemporary gift bag with ribbon handles Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Multi-Pocket Rucksack, at MarksandSpencer
Stylish and practical, this nylon rucksack is ideal for business or weekend travel

Collezione Twin Toe Cap Shoes, at Marks n Spencer
Square toe Gusset toe cap stitch Lace-up Block heel

8-Piece Dessert Knife & Fork Set, at Marks and Spencers
8 pieces 18/10 stainless steel 4 settings Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended): please note we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cover Up Drawstring Vest, at Marks and Spencer
Feminine and fashionable, this flattering cover up is designed in the latest shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Reds & Whites - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
1 Catarratto Inzolia 2008 1 Tupungato Sauvignon Blanc 2009 1 Monte Antico IGT Toscana 2005 1 Tupungato Syrah 2008 2 Valmont Blanc 2008 2 Castillo del Moro Airen Sauvignon Blanc 2008 2 Valmont Rouge 2008 2 Castillo del Moro Tempranillo Syrah 2008 You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pure Cotton Stripe Pyjama Bottoms, at Marks & Spencers
Pretty and feminine, these stripe pyjama bottoms are made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

DD-G Multiway Lace Wing Moulded Bra, at Marks & Spenser
Flattering and comfortable, this balcony bra is specially designed for fuller busts. The balcony style gives an enhanced shape, with great support and maximum uplift

Autograph Styled Flock Stripe Thong, at Marks & Spensers
Sophisticated and feminine, this modern thong features a stripe design and skirted sides. The modern low rise, high leg styling gives a flattering shapely fit. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Autograph Pure Cashmere Polo Neck Jumper, at Marks and Spencer
Sophisticated and modern, this polo neck jumper is made from pure cashmere for the ultimate in luxuriously soft knitwear

Ceriso Essentials Spot Embroidered Non Padded Bra, at Marks & Spencers
Feminine and fashionable, this bra is beautifully detailed with a embroidered spot design and multiple bows. The non padded balcony style gives maximum uplift and a fabulous shape. Designed for women who want the latest look

Sapporo Side Table, at Marks and Spencers
H45 x W45 x D45cm Made from solid bamboo and bamboo veneer Finished with a matt lacquer that provides the pieces with extra protection and durability Legs made from solid wood All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings Delivered flatpack due to size Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Why use veneers? Unlike solid timber, veneer does not twist/warp/split to the same degree. Only the finest logs are used in veneer production. It is environmentally sound and traditional - much of the finest cabinetry in the world is veneered. Care & Cleaning - Wipe with a soft clean cloth and use a mild furniture cleaner or polish occasionally. Be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Neck Tie Blouse with Camisole, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Autograph's Luxe Tradition trend. Luxurious and contemporary with a sense of British heritage, this trend features a soft colour palette, modern prints and beautiful fabrics. A sophisticated look for the new season

Medium Lines Flared Vase, at M&S
Squiggle detail Flared Handmade W15.2 x D15.2 x H43cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Besides Marks and Spencer Car Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct Home Insurance deserves particular mention, with it being particularly good value for money, and providing extra insurance cover that many UK insurance companies either don't provide at all, or would charge extra for.

With M&S Money Direct Premier Contents policy, for example, student's belongings are not only covered at home, but also at college or university. Additionally, dependent relatives are also covered if their belongings happen to be in a nursing home. Even better still, your Mark's & Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Direct Premier Home Insurance and Standard Home Insurance policies, you can choose to include Contents Away From Home. This option would then provide valuable cover all of your personal belongings on a worldwide basis.